Composition for enhancing hair fiber properties

ABSTRACT

A hair conditioning composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 20% of a lipid being one or more unsaturated fatty material selected from a group consisting of an unsaturated fatty acid; an unsaturated fatty alcohol; an unsaturated amine; an unsaturated amide; and an unsaturated phospholipid; wherein the molecule of said unsaturated fatty material comprises a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 24 carbon atoms, and one carbon-carbon double bond in a position of the said carbon chain between position C3 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty acid or unsaturated amide and between position C2 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty alcohol, unsaturated amine or unsaturated phospholipid and wherein the LogP of said unsaturated fatty material is less than 7; and 0.1% to 20% of one or more lipid enhancing agent selected from the group comprising of a fatty acid monoester of a polyol wherein the molecule of the fatty acid component of such monoester contains a linear or branched carbon chain with 10 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein the fatty acid monoester of a polyol has a logP of less than 7; a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of the fatty alcohol contains a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 22 carbon atoms; an ester of a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of said ester contains 10 to 44 total carbon atoms; an alcohol wherein the molecule of such alcohol contains an aromatic ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hair conditioning composition comprising one or more materials useful for enhancing hair fiber properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

“Permanent” hair treatments, such as coloring, bleaching and straightening/waving, as well as other environmental and consumer habits (UV light, thermal drying, brushing/combing) cause damaged hair in various ways. Typically, hair damage also leads to the loss of natural internal lipids (as well as hair protein), which play an important role in hair structure. For example, lipids hold the hair proteins together as part of the cuticle/cortex membrane. Thus, internal hair lipid loss is associated with reduced hair mechanical strength. Loss of lipids also leads to increased moisture uptake when the hair is exposed to high humidity, leading to frizz. The present invention is directed to the development of compositions that can replenish internal lipids and repair damaged hair fibers.

Consumers using compositions of this technology experience an improvement in hair health from penetration of these materials and blends, resulting in more softness and combability. Consumers' hair becomes more structurally similar to emerging hair in terms of the internal lipid content. Typical current commercial hair care products contain surface benefit agents such as silicones and deposition polymers, to aid in lowering the surface energy of hair to protect against mechanical damage from combing. However, the use of typical commercial products do not significantly prevent hair tip damage, because of damage of the internal hair structure likely caused from loss of hair lipids and proteins through washing, UV and coloring damage. The present invention seeks to improve fiber properties by introducing lipids inside the hair fiber. Consequently, a need exists for a product that replenishes internal hair lipids providing improved softness and combability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed a hair conditioning composition comprising a lipid from about 0.1% to about 20% of one or more unsaturated fatty material selected from a group consisting of an unsaturated fatty acid; an unsaturated fatty alcohol; an unsaturated amine; an unsaturated amide; and an unsaturated phospholipid; wherein the molecule of said unsaturated fatty material comprises a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 24 carbon atoms, and one carbon-carbon double bond in a position of the said carbon chain between position C3 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty acid or unsaturated amide and between position C2 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty alcohol, unsaturated amine or unsaturated phospholipid and wherein the LogP of said unsaturated fatty material is less than 7; and 0.1% to 20% of one or more lipid enhancing agent selected from the group comprising of a fatty acid monoester of a polyol wherein the molecule of the fatty acid component of such monoester contains a linear or branched carbon chain with 10 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein the fatty acid monoester of a polyol has a logP of less than 7; a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of the fatty alcohol contains a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 22 carbon atoms; an ester of a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of said ester contains 10 to 44 total carbon atoms; an alcohol wherein the molecule of such alcohol contains an aromatic ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph of an optimum blend ratio of lipid and lipid enhancing agent demonstrating a measure force (gf) to comb moderately oxidatively-damaged hair.

FIG. 2 is a graph of an optimum blend ratio of lipid and lipid enhancing agent demonstrating a measure force (gf) to comb physically damaged virgin hair.

FIG. 3 is a graph of unsaturated lipid level versus amount of moisture uptake in hair.

FIG. 4 is a graph of leave on-treatments on moderately oxidatively damaged hair demonstrating the effect of oleic acid alone and in combination with lipid enhancing agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise designated. All measurements are understood to be made at ambient conditions, where “ambient conditions” means conditions at about 25° C., under about one atmosphere of pressure, and at about 50% relative humidity (RH), unless otherwise designated. All numeric ranges are inclusive of narrower ranges; delineated upper and lower range limits are combinable to create further ranges not explicitly delineated.

The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, the essential components as well as optional ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or component may include additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

“Apply” or “application” as used in reference to a composition, means to apply or spread the compositions of the present invention onto keratinous tissue such as the hair.

“Dermatologically acceptable” means that the compositions or components described are suitable for use in contact with human skin tissue without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like.

“Safe and effective amount” means an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to significantly induce a positive benefit

“Rinse-off” in reference to compositions, means compositions intended to be applied to keratinous substrate and subsequently removed by washing, rinsing or wiping within a few minutes or less from the application. These “rinse-off” compositions are to be distinguished from “leave-on” compositions, which are intended to be applied to and allowed to remain on the keratinous tissue.

The most common hair care rinse-off compositions are shampoos and rinse-off conditioners. Shampoos contain detersive surfactants and they are used for cleansing hair, while rinse-off conditioners are typically used after shampoo, they are substantially free of detersive surfactants, they contain conditioning agents to improve hair feel, reverse hair damage and protect against further damage.

“Leave-on,” in reference to compositions, means compositions intended to be applied to and allowed to remain on the keratinous tissue. These leave-on compositions are to be distinguished from compositions, which are applied to the hair and subsequently (in a few minutes or less) removed either by washing, rinsing, wiping, or the like. Leave-on compositions exclude rinse-off applications such as shampoos, rinse-off conditioners, facial cleansers, hand cleansers, body wash, or body cleansers. The leave-on compositions may be substantially free of cleansing or detersive surfactants. For example, “leave-on compositions” may be left on the keratinous tissue for at least 15 minutes. For example, leave-on compositions may comprise less than 1% detersive surfactants, less than 0.5% detersive surfactants, or 0% detersive surfactants. The compositions may, however, contain emulsifying, dispersing or other processing surfactants that are not intended to provide any significant cleansing benefits when applied topically to the hair.

“Soluble” means at least about 0.1 g of solute dissolves in 100 ml of solvent, at 25° C. and 1 atm of pressure.

All percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless stated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated otherwise. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The number of significant digits conveys neither a limitation on the indicated amounts nor on the accuracy of the measurements. The term “molecular weight” or “M.Wt.” as used herein refers to the weight average molecular weight unless otherwise stated. The weight average molecular weight may be measured by gel permeation chromatography. “QS” means sufficient quantity for 100%.

The term “substantially free from” or “substantially free of” as used herein means less than about 1%, or less than about 0.8%, or less than about 0.5%, or less than about 0.3%, or about 0%, by total weight of the composition.

“Hair,” as used herein, means mammalian hair including scalp hair, facial hair and body hair, particularly on hair on the human head and scalp.

“Cosmetically acceptable,” as used herein, means that the compositions, formulations or components described are suitable for use in contact with human keratinous tissue without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like. All compositions described herein which have the purpose of being directly applied to keratinous tissue are limited to those being cosmetically acceptable.

“Derivatives,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to, amide, ether, ester, amino, carboxyl, acetyl, acid, salt and/or alcohol derivatives of a given compound.

“Polymer,” as used herein, means a chemical formed from the polymerisation of two or more monomers. The term “polymer” as used herein shall include all materials made by the polymerisation of monomers as well as natural polymers. Polymers made from only one type of monomer are called homopolymers. Polymers made from two or more different types of monomers are called copolymers. The distribution of the different monomers can be calculated statistically or block-wise—both possibilities are suitable for the present invention. Except if stated otherwise, the term “polymer” used herein includes any type of polymer including homopolymers and copolymers.

“Lipid” as used herein, is a biological molecule which is insoluble in water while being soluble in fat and non-polar organic solvent. It typical contains either a long hydrocarbon chain or multiple linked aromatic rings. Long hydrocarbon chain can have six or more carbon atoms. “Lipid Enhancing Agent” is a material which further improves upon the hair fiber benefit provided by the lipid such as decreased combing.

Without being bound by theory, the improvement in fiber properties is achieved by the penetration of lipids from the hair care composition into the hair and incorporation into the lipid layers, such as the Cuticle Membrane Complex or the Cortex Membrane Complex. The lipid enhancing agent may contribute to more effective incorporation of these lipids into the lipid layer.

Lipids are only about 4% of the total weight of hair. They make up the cuticle membrane complex and cortex membrane complex (CMC), which is the structural component that holds the hair proteins together. Therefore it stands that loss of lipids results in loss or weakening of the CMC and degradation of the hair structure. Currently, the present invention recognizes that the impact of the loss of lipids leads to more moisture uptake in the hair at high humidity resulting in hair frizz. In addition, consumers perceive that tip hair, which contains low levels of lipids (compared to root hair), is more damaged. It has been demonstrated that the level of hair lipids decreases upon age and insults, i.e. UV, color, washing and, in turn, this is also perceived as damage. It is likely that loss of lipids, which alters the arrangement of CMC, also impacts surface hair properties and hair shine.

It is known that unsaturated fatty acids are the main hair lipids lost from washing and damage insults. Thus, oleic acid, a common monounsaturated fatty acid found in hair and natural oils, represents a promising candidate to replenish and repair the lipid hair structures. The present invention has found that the combination of oleic acid and glyceryl monooleate (in ratios of Oleic acid:GMO of 2.5:1.0 to 1.0:1.0) shows a synergistic effect compared to individual components at the same concentration, as seen in Graph 1. It is perceived that GMO contributes to higher penetration of oleic acid into the hair fiber. It has also been found that other compounds, such as simple fatty esters, saturated fatty alcohols and other alcohols having an aromatic ring, can also be used as penetration enhancing materials. Typical examples are isostearyl isostearate, hexyldecanol and benzyl alcohol. Thus, hair care compositions of the present invention use unique blends of (a) monounsaturated fatty acids (or monounsaturated fatty alcohols) and (b) lipid enhancing agents. Lipid enhancing agents enhance the benefit provided by the lipid material to the hair fiber and enabling improved softness and combability.

Lipid

The present invention may contain one or more of an unsaturated fatty material wherein the molecule of said unsaturated fatty material comprises a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and one carbon-carbon double bond in a position of the said carbon chain between position C3 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty acid or unsaturated amide and between position C2 and position omega for the unsaturated fatty alcohol, unsaturated amine or unsaturated phospholipid and wherein the LogP of said unsaturated fatty material is less than 7.

The lipid may be present in a range from about 0.1% to 20%, in an embodiment, in the range from about 0.5% to about 16%, a further embodiment in the range of from about 1.0 to about 3%.

Nonlimiting examples of an unsaturated fatty material include:

-   i. an unsaturated fatty acid, non-limiting examples include     myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid,     elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, and nervonic acid. -   ii. an unsaturated fatty alcohol, non-limiting examples include     petroselenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, palmitoleyl     alcohol, vaccenyl alcohol, Eicos-11-en-1-ol, and phytol (3,7,11,15     laurylamine 1-dodecylamine), oleamide diethanolamine -   iii. an unsaturated amine, non-limiting examples include     palmitylamine, oleylamine, laurylamine. -   iv. an unsaturated amide, non-limiting examples include oleamide,     palmitamide and -   v. an unsaturated phospholipid, non-limiting examples include     1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine,     1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine,     1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate,     1-Myristoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero 3-phosphocholine,     1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.

Lipid Enhancing Agent

The present invention may contain one or more of a lipid enhancing agent.

The lipid enhancing agent may be present in the range of about 0.05% to 20%, or in an embodiment from about 0.1% to about 16%, in a further embodiment, in a range of about 0.25% to about 2%.

Nonlimiting examples of lipid enhancing agents include:

-   i. a fatty acid monoester of a polyol wherein the molecule of the     fatty acid component of such monoester contains a linear or branched     carbon chain with 10 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein the fatty acid     monoester of a polyol has a logP of less than 7, non-limiting     examples include glyceryl monooleate, glycerol palmitoleate,     1-stearoyl-rac-glycerol, 2-oleoylglycerol, glycerol monoisostearate,     ethylene glycol, monooleate. -   ii. a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of the fatty     alcohol contains a linear or branched carbon chain with 8 to 22     carbon atoms, non-limiting examples include 1-Octanol (capryl     alcohol), pelargonic alcohol (1-nonanol), 1-Decanol (decyl alcohol,     capric alcohol), Undecyl alcohol (1-undecanol, undecanol,     Hendecanol), Lauryl alcohol (Dodecanol, 1-dodecanol), Tridecyl     alcohol (1-tridecanol, tridecanol, isotridecanol), Myristyl alcohol     (1-tetradecanol), Pentadecyl alcohol (1-pentadecanol, pentadecanol),     cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol), Heptadecyl alcohol (1-n-heptadecanol,     heptadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol), Nonadecyl alcohol     (1-nonadecanol), arachidyl alcohol (1-eicosanol), Heneicosyl alcohol     (1-heneicosanol), behenyl alcohol (1-docosanol). -   iii. an ester of a saturated fatty alcohol wherein the molecule of     said ester contains 10 to 44 total carbon atoms, non-limiting     examples include 2-ethylhexanol, isostearyl isostearate,     2-hexyl-1-decanol. -   iv. an alcohol wherein the molecule of such alcohol contains an     aromatic ring, non-limiting examples include benzyl alcohol,     phenylethyl alcohol, o-benzenedimethanol, m-benzenedimethanol,     p-benzenedimethanol, 2-methylbenzyl alcohol, 3-methylbenzyl alcohol     and 4-methylbenzyl alcohol.

FORMULATIONS AND EXAMPLES Method for Combing Force for Dry Hair

A moderately oxidatively-damaged hair switch or physically damaged virgin hair switch (with weight of 4 gram and length of 8 inches) is placed in an apparatus containing two combs separated by a vertical distance of 6 inches. This double combing apparatus is attached to an Instron Model 5564. The switch is combed 5 times with a fine-tooth comb and hanged onto the Instron load cell. Then, the hair switch is placed in the double comb apparatus. The Instron pulls the hair vertically at a rate of 10 mm/min until the hair switch clears the final comb. The peak force as the switch passes through the top comb is reported.

pH of Compositions

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pH of a composition of the present invention is in the range of about 3 to about 9, in an embodiment in a range of about 4 to about 6.

Conditioner Composition

The personal care composition of the present invention may comprise a cationic surfactant, high melting point fatty compound, and aqueous carrier. The surfactants, the high melting point fatty compounds, and the aqueous carrier are in the form of emulsion.

Cationic Surfactant System

The composition of the present invention comprises a cationic surfactant system. The cationic surfactant system can be one cationic surfactant or a mixture of two or more cationic surfactants. Preferably, the cationic surfactant system is selected from: mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; a combination of mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt; mono-long alkyl amidoamine salt; a combination of mono-long alkyl amidoamine salt and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt, a combination of mono-long alkyl amindoamine salt and mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt

The cationic surfactant system is included in the composition at a level by weight of from about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.8% to about 5%, still more preferably from about 1.0% to about 4%.

Mono-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salt

The monoalkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants useful herein are those having one long alkyl chain which has from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably C18-22 alkyl group. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen are independently selected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 4 carbon atoms.

Mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having the formula (I):

wherein one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 30 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independently selected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 4 carbon atoms; and X⁻ is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, sulfate, alkylsulfate, and alkyl sulfonate radicals. The alkyl groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether and/or ester linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain alkyl groups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated. Preferably, one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, even more preferably 22 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH, and mixtures thereof; and X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, CH₃OSO_(3,) C₂H₅OSO₃, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of such mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants include: behenyl trimethyl ammonium salt; stearyl trimethyl ammonium salt; cetyl trimethyl ammonium salt; and hydrogenated tallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt.

Mono-Long Alkyl Amidoamine Salt

Mono-long alkyl amines are also suitable as cationic surfactants. Primary, secondary, and tertiary fatty amines are useful. Particularly useful are tertiary amido amines having an alkyl group of from about 12 to about 22 carbons. Exemplary tertiary amido amines include: stearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldimethylamine, diethylaminoethylstearamide. Useful amines in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,055, Nachtigal, et al. These amines can also be used in combination with acids such as l-glutamic acid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, l-glutamic hydrochloride, maleic acid, and mixtures thereof; more preferably l-glutamic acid, lactic acid, citric acid. The amines herein are preferably partially neutralized with any of the acids at a molar ratio of the amine to the acid of from about 1:0.3 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 1:0.4 to about 1:1.

Di-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salt

Di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt is preferably combined with a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-long alkyl amidoamine salt. It is believed that such combination can provide easy-to-rinse feel, compared to single use of a monoalkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-long alkyl amidoamine salt. In such combination with a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-long alkyl amidoamine salt, the di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts are used at a level such that the wt % of the dialkyl quaternized ammonium salt in the cationic surfactant system is in the range of preferably from about 10% to about 50%, more preferably from about 30% to about 45%.

The dialkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants useful herein are those having two long alkyl chains having 12-30 carbon atoms, preferably 16-24 carbon atoms, more preferably 18-22 carbon atoms. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen are independently selected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 4 carbon atoms.

Di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those having the formula (II):

wherein two of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 30 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independently selected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 4 carbon atoms; and X⁻ is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, sulfate, alkylsulfate, and alkyl sulfonate radicals. The alkyl groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether and/or ester linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain alkyl groups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated. Preferably, one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, even more preferably 22 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH, and mixtures thereof; and X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, CH₃OSO₃, C₂H₅₀₈OSO₃, and mixtures thereof. Such dialkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants include, for example, dialkyl (14-18) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihydrogenated tallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dicetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Such dialkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants also include, for example, asymmetric dialkyl quaternized ammonium salt cationic surfactants.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein has a melting point of 40° C. or higher, and is selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. It is understood by the artisan that the compounds disclosed in this section of the specification can in some instances fall into more than one classification, e.g., some fatty alcohol derivatives can also be classified as fatty acid derivatives. However, a given classification is not intended to be a limitation on that particular compound, but is done so for convenience of classification and nomenclature. Further, it is understood by the artisan that, depending on the number and position of double bonds, and length and position of the branches, certain compounds having certain required carbon atoms may have a melting point of less than 25° C. Such compounds of low melting point are not intended to be included in this section. Non-limiting examples of the high melting point compounds are found in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993, and CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992.

Among a variety of high melting point fatty compounds, fatty alcohols are preferably used in the composition of the present invention. The fatty alcohols useful herein are those having from about 14 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohols are saturated and can be straight or branched-chain alcohols. Preferred fatty alcohols include, for example, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

High melting point fatty compounds of a single compound of high purity are preferred. Single compounds of pure fatty alcohols selected from the group of pure cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol are highly preferred. By “pure” herein, what is meant is that the compound has a purity of at least about 90%, preferably at least about 95%. These single compounds of high purity provide good rinsability from the hair when the consumer rinses off the composition.

The high melting point fatty compound is included in the composition at a level of from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 1% to about 15%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 8% by weight of the composition, in view of providing improved conditioning benefits such as slippery feel during the application to wet hair, softness and moisturized feel on dry hair.

Aqueous Carrier

The gel matrix of the hair care composition of the present invention includes an aqueous carrier. Accordingly, the formulations of the present invention can be in the form of pourable liquids (under ambient conditions). Such compositions will therefore typically comprise an aqueous carrier, which is present at a level of from about 20 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, or even from about 60 wt. % to about 85 wt. %. The aqueous carrier may comprise water, or a miscible mixture of water and organic solvent, and in one aspect may comprise water with minimal or no significant concentrations of organic solvent, except as otherwise incidentally incorporated into the composition as minor ingredients of other components.

The aqueous carrier useful in the present invention includes water and water solutions of lower alkyl alcohols and polyhydric alcohols. The lower alkyl alcohols useful herein are monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbons, in one aspect, ethanol and isopropanol. The polyhydric alcohols useful herein include propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerin, and propane diol.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the hair care compositions may have a pH in the range from about 2 to about 10, at 25° C. In one embodiment, the hair care composition has a pH in the range from about 2 to about 6, which may help to solubilize minerals and redox metals already deposited on the hair. Thus, the hair care composition can also be effective toward washing out the existing minerals and redox metals deposits, which can reduce cuticle distortion and thereby reduce cuticle chipping and damage.

Gel Matrix

The composition of the present invention comprises a gel matrix. The gel matrix comprises a cationic surfactant, a high melting point fatty compound, and an aqueous carrier.

The gel matrix is suitable for providing various conditioning benefits such as slippery feel during the application to wet hair and softness and moisturized feel on dry hair. In view of providing the above gel matrix, the cationic surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound are contained at a level such that the weight ratio of the cationic surfactant to the high melting point fatty compound is in the range of, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:10, more preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:6.

Additional Components Silicone Conditioning Agent

The compositions of the present invention may contain one or more silicone conditioning agents. Examples of the silicones include dimethicones, dimethiconols, cyclic silicones, methylphenyl polysiloxane, and modified silicones with various functional groups such as amino groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, aliphatic groups, alcohol groups, carboxylic acid groups, ether groups, epoxy groups, sugar or polysaccharide groups, fluorine-modified alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, or combinations of such groups. Such silicones may be soluble or insoluble in the aqueous (or non-aqueous) product carrier. In the case of insoluble liquid silicones, the polymer can be in an emulsified form with droplet size of about 10 nm to about 30 micrometers Other solid or semi-solid conditioning agents may be present in the composition including high melting temperature fatty alcohols, acids, esters, amides or oligomers from unsaturated esters, alcohols, amides. The oligomeric esters may be the result of oligomerization of naturally-occuring unsaturated glyceride esters. Such solid or semi-solid conditioning agents may be added or present as mixtures with organic oils.

Nonionic Polymers

The hair care composition of the present invention may also further comprise a nonionic polymer. According to an embodiment, the conditioning agent for use in the hair care composition of the present invention may include a polyalkylene glycol polymer. For example, polyalkylene glycols having a molecular weight of more than about 1000 are useful herein. Useful are those having the following general formula (VIII):

wherein R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, and mixtures thereof; and v is the number of ethoxy units. The polyalkylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycols, can be included in the hair care compositions of the present invention at a level of from about 0.001 wt. % to about 10 wt. %. In an embodiment, the polyethylene glycol is present in an amount up to about 5 wt. % based on the weight of the composition. Polyethylene glycol polymers useful herein are PEG-2M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-10, which is available from Union Carbide and as PEG-2,000); PEG-5M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-35 and Polyox WSR® N-80, available from Union Carbide and as PEG-5,000 and Polyethylene Glycol 300,000); PEG-7M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-750 available from Union Carbide); PEG-9M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-3333 available from Union Carbide); and PEG-14 M (also known as Polyox WSR® N-3000 available from Union Carbide).

Organic Conditioning Materials

The conditioning agent of the compositions of the present invention may also comprise at least one organic conditioning material such as oil or wax, either alone or in combination with other conditioning agents, such as the silicones described above. The organic material can be non-polymeric, oligomeric or polymeric. It may be in the form of oil or wax and may be added in the formulation neat or in a pre-emulsified form. Some non-limiting examples of organic conditioning materials include, but are not limited to: i) hydrocarbon oils; ii) polyolefins, iii) fatty esters, iv) fluorinated conditioning compounds, v) fatty alcohols, vi) alkyl glucosides and alkyl glucoside derivatives; vii) quaternary ammonium compounds; viii) polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols having a molecular weight of up to about 2,000,000 including those with CTFA names PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-2M, PEG-7M, PEG-14M, PEG-45M and mixtures thereof.

Carrier

The carrier useful in embodiments of the hair care composition includes water and water solutions of lower alkyl alcohols and polyhydric alcohols. The lower alkyl alcohols useful herein are monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbons, in one aspect, ethanol and isopropanol. Exemplary polyhydric alcohols useful herein include propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerin, and propane diol. Nonlimiting examples of water-miscible solvents include those selected from the group consisting of alcohols having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, polyols having from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, ketones having from about 3 to about 4 carbon atoms, C1-C6 esters of C1-C6 alcohols, sulfoxides, amides, carbonate esters, ethoxylated and propoxylated C1-C10 alcohols, lactones, pyrollidones, and mixtures thereof. Preferred water-miscible solvents are those selected from the group consisting of ethanol, 2-propanol, propylene glycol, buylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

Rheology Modifier/Suspending Agents

In one embodiment, the rinse-off conditioner composition comprises a rheology modifier. The rheology modifier increases the substantivity and stability of the composition, improve feel and consumer's use experience (e.g. non-dripping, spreadability, etc). Any suitable rheology modifier can be used. In an embodiment, the hair care composition may comprise from about 0.05% to about 10% of a rheology modifier, in a further embodiment, from about 0.1% to about 10% of a rheology modifier, in yet a further embodiment, from about 0.5% to about 2% of a rheology modifier, in a further embodiment, from about 0.7% to about 2% of a rheology modifier, and in a further embodiment from about 1% to about 1.5% of a rheology modifier. In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be a polyacrylamide thickener. In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be a polymeric rheology modifier.

In one embodiment, the rinse-off conditioner composition may comprise rheology modifiers that are homopolymers based on acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other related derivatives, non-limiting examples include polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyethylacrylate, and polyacrylamide.

In another embodiment, the rheology modifiers may be alkali swellable and hydrophobically-modified alkali swellable acrylic copolymers or methacrylate copolymers non-limiting examples include acrylic acid/acrylonitrogen copolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 itaconate copolymer, acrylates/ceteth-20 itaconate copolymer, acrylates/aminoacrylates copolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer, acrylates/vinylneodecanoate crosspolymer, and acrylates/C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer.

In a further embodiment, the rheology modifiers may be crosslinked acrylic polymers, a non-limiting example includes carbomers.

In a further embodiment, the rheology modifiers may be alginic acid-based materials; non-limiting examples include sodium alginate, and alginic acid propylene glycol esters. In a further embodiment, the rheology modifier may be an associative polymeric thickeners, non-limiting examples include: Hydrophobically modified cellulose derivatives; Hydrophobically modified alkoxylated urethane polymers, nonlimiting example include PEG-150/decyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer, PEG-150/stearyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer, polyurethane-39; Hydrophobically modified, alkali swellable emulsions, non-limiting examples include hydrophobically modified polyacrylates, hydrophobically modified polyacrylic acids, and hydrophobic ally modified polyacrylamides; hydrophobic ally modified polyethers wherein these materials may have a hydrophobe that can be selected from cetyl, stearyl, oleayl, and combinations thereof, and a hydrophilic portion of repeating ethylene oxide groups with repeat units from 10-300, in another embodiment from 30-200, in a further embodiment from 40-150. Non-limiting examples of this class include PEG-120-methylglucose dioleate, PEG-(40 or 60) sorbitan tetraoleate, PEG -150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, PEG-55 propylene glycol oleate, PEG-150 distearate.

In a further embodiment, the rheology modifier may be cellulose and derivatives; nonlimiting examples include microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, nitro cellulose, cellulose sulfate, cellulose powder, and hydrophobically modified celluloses.

In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be a guar and guar derivatives; nonlimiting examples include hydroxypropyl guar, and hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride.

In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and POE-PPO copolymers.

In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone and derivatives. In a further embodiment, the rheology modifier may be polyvinyalcohol and derivatives.

In a further embodiment, the rheology modifier may be polyethyleneimine and derivatives.

In another embodiment, the rheology modifier may be silicas; nonlimiting examples include fumed silica, precipitated silica, and silicone-surface treated silica.

In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be water-swellable clays non-limiting examples include laponite, bentolite, montmorilonite, smectite, and hectonite.

In an embodiment, the rheology modifier may be gums nonlimiting examples include xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, Arabia gum, tragacanth, galactan, carob gum, karaya gum, and locust bean gum.

In a further embodiment, the rheology modifier may be, dibenzylidene sorbitol, karaggenan, pectin, agar, quince seed (Cydonia oblonga Mill), starch (from rice, corn, potato, wheat, etc), starch-derivatives (e.g. carboxymethyl starch, methylhydroxypropyl starch), algae extracts, dextran, succinoglucan, and pulleran.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may comprise suspending agents including crystalline suspending agents which can be categorized as acyl derivatives, long chain amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. These suspending agents are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,855. These suspending agents include ethylene glycol esters of fatty acids in one aspect having from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. In one aspect, useful suspending agents include ethylene glycol stearates, both mono and distearate, but in one aspect, the distearate containing less than about 7% of the mono stearate. Other suitable suspending agents include alkanol amides of fatty acids, having from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms, or even about 16 to 18 carbon atoms, examples of which include stearic monoethanolamide, stearic diethanolamide, stearic monoisopropanolamide and stearic monoethanolamide stearate. Other long chain acyl derivatives include long chain esters of long chain fatty acids (e.g., stearyl stearate, cetyl palmitate, etc.); long chain esters of long chain alkanol amides (e.g., stearamide diethanolamide distearate, stearamide monoethanolamide stearate); and glyceryl esters (e.g., glyceryl distearate, trihydroxystearin, tribehenin) a commercial example of which is Thixin® R available from Rheox, Inc. Long chain acyl derivatives, ethylene glycol esters of long chain carboxylic acids, long chain amine oxides, and alkanol amides of long chain carboxylic acids in addition to the materials listed above may be used as suspending agents. Other long chain acyl derivatives suitable for use as suspending agents include N,N-dihydrocarbyl amido benzoic acid and soluble salts thereof (e.g., Na, K), particularly N,N-di(hydrogenated) C16, C18 and tallow amido benzoic acid species of this family, which are commercially available from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill., USA). Examples of suitable long chain amine oxides for use as suspending agents include alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, e.g., stearyl dimethyl amine oxide. Other suitable suspending agents include primary amines having a fatty alkyl moiety having at least about 16 carbon atoms, examples of which include palmitamine or stearamine, and secondary amines having two fatty alkyl moieties each having at least about 12 carbon atoms, examples of which include dipalmitoylamine or di(hydrogenated tallow)amine Still other suitable suspending agents include di(hydrogenated tallow)phthalic acid amide, and crosslinked maleic anhydride-methyl vinyl ether copolymer.

Non-limiting examples of rheology modifiers include acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer (and)polyisobutene (and) polysorbate 20, acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer/isohexadecane/polysorbate 80, acrylates copolymer; acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 itaconate copolymer, ammonium polyacrylate/Isohexadecane/PEG-40 castor oil, C12-16 alkyl PEG-2 hydroxypropylhydroxyethyl ethylcellulose (HM-EHEC), carbomer, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), dibenzylidene sorbitol, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose (EHEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), methylcellulose (MC), methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC), PEG-150/decyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer, PEG-150/stearyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer, polyacrylamide/C13-14 isoparaffin/laureth-7; polyacrylate 13/polyisobutene/polysorbate 20; polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, polyamide-3; polyquaternium-37 (and) hydrogenated polydecene (and) trideceth-6, polyurethane-39, sodium acrylate/acryloyldimethyltaurate/dimethylacrylamide, crosspolymer (and) isohexadecane (and) polysorbate 60; sodium polyacrylate. Exemplary commercially-available rheology modifiers include ACULYN™ 28, Klucel™ M CS, Klucel™ H CS, Klucel™ G CS, SYLVACLEART™ AF1900V, SYLVACLEAR™ PA1200V, Benecel™ E10M, Benecel™ K35M, Optasense™ RMC70, ACULYN™ 33, ACULYN™ 46, ACULYN™ 22, ACULYN™ 44, Carbopol Ultrez™ 20, Carbopol Ultrez™ 21, Carbopol Ultrez™ 10, Carbopol Ulterez™ 30, Carbopol™ 1342, Carbopol™ 934, Carbopol™ 940, Carbopol™ 950, Carbopol™ 980, and Carbopol™ 981, Acrysol™ 22, Sepigel™ 305, Simulgel™ 600, Sepimax Zen, and combinations thereof.

The hair composition may include one or more non-polar solvents. Non-limiting examples of non-polar solvents are isoparaffin, mineral oil, silicone oil, natural oils such as olive oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, passion fruit oil.

Other Optional Ingredients

The compositions of the present invention can also additionally comprise any other suitable optional ingredients as desired. For example, the composition can optionally include other active or inactive ingredients.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a scalp health active may be added to provide scalp benefits. This group of materials is varied and provides a wide range of benefits including anti-dandruff, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, moisturization, barrier improvement, and anti-oxidant, anti-itch, and sensates. Such health actives include but are not limited to: zinc pyrithione, climbazole, octopirox, vitamin E and F, salicylic acid, glycols, glycolic acid, PCA, PEGs, erythritol, glycerin, lactates, hyaluronates, allantoin and other ureas, betaines, sorbitol, glutamates, xylitols, menthol, menthyl lactate, isocyclomone, benzyl alcohol, and natural extracts/oils including peppermint, spearmint, argan, jojoba and aloe. The compositions may include other common hair ingredients. The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Tenth Edition (published by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., Washington, D.C.) (2004) (hereinafter “CTFA”), describes a wide variety of nonlimiting materials that can be added to the composition herein. Examples of these ingredient classes include, but are not limited to: aesthetic components such as fragrances, pigments, colorings/colorants, essential oils, sensates, etcantifoaming agents, antimicrobial agents, biological additives, buffering agents, bulking agents, chelating agents, chemical additives, astringents, biocides, film formers or materials, pH adjusters, reducing agents, sequestrants, and surfactants.

FIG. 1 is a Measure force (in gram force—gf) required to comb moderately oxidatively-damaged hair that is treated with an aqueous/ethanol rinse-off formulation containing 2.5% total conditioning agent (lipid+lipid enhancing agent):

-   A: 0.71% Oleic acid and 1.79% GMO (Oleic acid:GMO=1:2.5) -   B: 1.25% Oleic acid and 1.25% GMO (Oleic acid:GMO=1:1) -   C: 1.79% Oleic acid and 0.71% GMO (Oleic acid:GMO=2.5:1)

These measurements are compared with the corresponding measurements from untreated moderately oxidatively damaged hair and hair treated with leave on treatment containing 2.5% oleic acid. These measurements are also compared with moderately oxidatively-damaged hair treated with leave on treatment containing 2.5% glyceryl monoleate. It can be seen that hair treated with treatments containing lipid plus lipid enhancing agent at a ratio of 1:1 and 2.5:1 show better combing versus untreated moderately oxidatively-damaged hair and treatments containing only lipid (oleic acid) or only lipid enhancing agent (glyceryl monooleate). Thus, the combination of oleic acid and glyceryl monooleate shows a synergistic effect on combability.

TABLE 1 Treatments Combing Force (gf) Untreated Moderately Oxidatively Damaged Hair 217 Oleic Alone 161 Glyceryl monooleate 157 1:2.5 Oleic Acid:Glyceryl monooleate 330 1:1 Oleic acid:Glyceryl monooleate 132 2.5:1 Oleic acid:Glyceryl monooleate 93

FIG. 2 shows the combing forced (measured in gram force—gf) for physically damaged virgin hair which is treated with an aqueous/ethanol leave-on formulations containing 2.5% total conditioning agent (lipid+lipid enhancing agent):

-   1.79% Oleic acid and 0.71% GMO (Oleic acid:GMO=2.5:1) -   0.71% Palmitoleic acid and 1.79% GMO (Palmitoleic acid:GMO=1:2.5) -   1.97% Palmitoleic acid and 0.71% GMO (Palmitoleic acid:GMO=2.5:1) -   0.71% Oleyl alcohol and 1.79% GMO (Palmitoleic acid:GMO=1:2.5) -   1.97% Oleyl alcohol and 0.71% GMO (Palmitoleic acid:GMO=2.5:1)

These measurements are compared with the corresponding measurements from untreated physically damaged virgin hair and hair treated with leave on treatment containing 2.5% oleic acid. These measurements are also compared with physically damaged virgin hair treated with leave on treatment containing 2.5% glyceryl monoleate.

It can be seen that hair treated with treatments containing lipid plus lipid enhancing agent at a ratio of 2.5:1 show better combing versus untreated physically damaged virgin hair and treatments containing only lipid (palmitoleic acid, oleic acid or oleyl alcohol) or only lipid enhancing agent (glyceryl monooleate).

TABLE 2 Treatments Combing Force (gf) GMO 268 OL 246 Physically Damaged Virgin Hair 225 1:2.5 PA/GMO 176 1:2.5 OL/GMO 142 OA 128 PA 76 2.5:1 OA/GMO 66 2.5:1 PA/GMO 53 2.5:1 OL/GMO 42 Table 3 below summarizes and corresponds to moderately oxidatively-damaged hair treated with leave-on treatment. Materials 1-5 performed well in terms of hair combability, whereas materials 6-11 shows poor performance. The data shows that optimum efficacy is achieved by materials that have the following characteristics:

-   a. LogP<7; higher logP corresponds to increased hydrophobicity (1-5     vs. 6-10); -   b. Material carbon chain length between C10 and C22 (1-5 vs. 8); -   c. Monounsaturation of the carbon chain (4 vs. 7 and 11).

TABLE 3 Double Bonds Olefin Size of Total Material LogP in Chain Position C Chain Carbons MW Structure 1 Glyceryl alpha- 6.3 1 Δ9 18 21 357 Polyol monooleate monoester 2 Ethyleneglycol 6.9 1 Δ9 18 20 326 Polyol monooleate monoester 3 Oleyl Alcohol 7 1 Δ9 18 18 268 Fatty alcohol 4 Oleic acid 7 1 Δ9 18 18 282 Fatty acid 5 Palmitoleic Acid 6.6 1 Δ9 16 16 254 Fatty acid 6 Methyl Oleate 8 1 Δ9 18 19 296 Simple olefin Ester 7 Stearic Acid 8 0 18 18 284 Fatty acid 8 Glyceryl 9 1 Δ9 18 57 885 Triglyceride trioleate olefin ester 9 Erucic acid 9 1 Δ13 22 22 339 Fatty acid olefin 10 Propyleneglycol 7.5 1 Δ9 18 18 340 Polyol monooleate olefin monoester 11 Linoleic Acid 6.4 2 Δ9, Δ12 18 18 280 Fatty acid olefin Another indication of beneficial effect of the lipid in the hair interior can be demonstrated by decreased moisture absorption in the hair. This is measured technically by Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) method. Our data demonstrate that there is a good correlation between unsaturated lipid content and DVS (see FIG. 3 and Table 4 below). More specifically, the higher the unsaturated lipid content, the lower the water absorption measured.

TABLE 4 Unsaturated Lipid Level versus Moisture Uptake Moisture Uptake Unsaturated Lipid Level (%) μg/g 6.51 1027 6.5 2978 6.39 15490

DVS Results

A series of leave-on treatments are performed on moderately oxidatively damaged hair switches in order to demonstrate the effect of oleic acid alone and in combination with other materials. The results are summarized in the FIG. 4 and Table 5.

TABLE 5 DVS Results Treatments % Water Reduction 5% Oleic Acid 5 5% Oleic Acid + 1% ISIS 20 1% ISIS 9 2.5% 2-hexyl-1-decano 10 5% Oleic Acid + 2.5% 2-hexyl-1-decanol 18 1% Oleic Acid + 1% GMO 10 1% GMO 2 1% Oleic Acid + 2% Benzyl alcohol 23 2% Benzyl alcohol 14 FIG. 4 shows that when lipid (oleic acid) is combined with a lipid enhancing agent (Isostearyl Isostearate (ISIS), benzyl alcohol, or 2-hexyl-1-decanol) the percent reduction in water uptake is increased compared to the treatment with oleic acid alone. This means the addition of lipid plus lipid enhancing agent has a synergistic effect in reducing moisture absorption into hair.

DVS Measurement

An amount of 25-30 mg of hair with length of approximately 1 cm is weighed and hold for equilibration at 0% RH for 16 hours. After the 16-hour period, the RH is increased to 10% and maintained at this level for 6 hours. Then, the RH is increased by 10% after every 6 hours interval until it reaches 90% RH. The % water reduction is calculated as follows:

-   A=Amount of water absorbed by the hair treated with composition     containing the lipid and/or lipid enhancing material. -   B=Amount of water absorbed by the hair treated with control     composition (only carrier) containing no lipid and/or lipid     enhancing material -   % Water reduction=[B-A)×100]/B

Leave-On Hair Treatment Using Neat Material

An amount of 0.4 ml of neat oleic acid is thoroughly spread on a moderately oxidatively-damaged hair switch (with weight 4g and length of 8 inches). The treatment is repeated to two additional switches. The treated hair switches are allowed to rest for 24 hours under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (27° C. and 50% RH). After this time period, each hair switch is washed with a clarifying shampoo (see shampoo washing protocol below) and allowed to air dry for 24 hours under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (27° C. and 50% RH). The combing force is measured for each switch and an average for the three switches is calculated. The shampoo washing and drying is repeated for 4 more cycles and the combing force measurement is repeated. The above experiment is repeated replacing the neat oleic acid with neat:

-   a. Linoleic acid -   b. Olive oil (a triglyceride ester oil)

Combing Force Results for Hair Treated with Neat Materials (Described Above)

Hair treated with monounsaturated fatty acid, such as oleic acid, show better combability (lower combing force) than hair treated with fatty acids containing multiple carbon-carbon double bonds, such as linoleic acid (see example 1 versus example 2). In addition, triglycerides of fatty acids (olive oil) provide good combability, but the benefit is not durable over five washes (see example 3 versus examples 1 and 2).

TABLE 6 Ex. Treatment 1 Wash (gf) 5 Washes (gf) 1 Oleic Acid 24 58 2 Linoleic Acid 27 96 3 Olive Oil (triglyceride) 57 133

EtOH/H₂O Leave-On Treatments

Single material mixtures: 500 mg of a lipid or a lipid enhancing agent is weighed into a 20 mL vial. 19.5 g of 50/50(v/v) ethanol water mixture is then added to the vial and capped. The mixture is then agitated for 30 seconds.

Shampoo Washing Protocol:

An amount of 0.10 g of clarifying shampoo per gram of hair is spread via a syringe onto separate hair switch. Each application consists of adding shampoo to the hair, milking for 30 seconds followed by rinsing for 30 seconds. Shampoo is then reapplied (0.1 g/g), milked for 30 seconds and rinsed for 30 seconds.

Leave-On Treatments With Aqueous/Ethanolic Lipid Compositions

a. Method of Making of Aqueous/Ethanolic Leave-on Treatment Compositions

The ingredients of each composition in Table 3 are placed in a 200-mL vial and a stopper is placed on the vial. The vial is then agitated or mixed for 30 seconds to a uniform composition.

b. Hair Treatment with Aqueous/Ethanolic Leave-on Treatment Compositions

An amount 0.8 mL of the aqueous/ethanolic compositions of Table 3 are applied onto a moderately oxidatively-damaged hair switch (with weight 4 g and length of 8 inches) and then massaged onto the hair for 60 seconds. The same treatment is repeated to two additional switches. The treated hair switches are allowed to rest for 24 hours under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (27° C. and 50% RH). After this time period, each hair switch is washed with a clarifying shampoo (see shampoo washing protocol above) and allowed to air dry for 24 hours under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (27° C. and 50% RH). The combing force is measured for each switch and an average for the three switches is calculated. The shampoo washing and drying is repeated for 4 more cycles and the combing force measurement is repeated.

Aqueous/Ethanolic Leave On Treatment Results

As Table 7 indicates, hair treated with aqueous/ethanolic leave on treatments containing materials with monounsaturated carbon chains in their molecule and exhibit clogP less than 7 (such as oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and oleyl alcohol) show better combability than hair treated with aqueous/ethanolic leave on treatments containing materials with monounsaturated carbon chains in their molecule and exhibit clogP higher than 7 (see examples 1-5 versus examples 8). However, hair treated with aqueous/ethanolic leave-on treatments with α,β-unsaturated fatty acids, show inferior combability than hair treated with aqueous/ethanolic leave on treatments containing materials with monounsaturated carbon chains in their molecule , wherein the carbon-carbon double bond is not in the α,β-position in relation to the carbonyl functional group (see examples 6 and 7 versus examples 1-5. In addition there is a synergistic combing benefit when hair is treated with an aqueous/ethanolic leave on treatment containing when oleic acid and glyceryl monooleate in a ratio of 1:1 or 2.5:1 oleic acid to glyceryl monooleate. This treatment shows better combing than treatments that contain only glyceryl monoleate or oleic acid (see example 9 and 10 versus examples 1 and 4). A similar synergistic benefit is observed when hair is treated with other aqueous leave on treatments containing palmitoleic acid or oleyl alcohol in combination with glyceryl monoleate (see examples 12 versus example 2 and 1; and example 14 versus examples 2 and 5).

TABLE 7 Ingredient Ex 1 Ex 2 Ex 3 Ex 4 Ex 5 Ex 6 Ex 7 Ex 8 Ex 9 Ex 10 Ex 11 Water 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 Ethanol 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 Glycerol alpha- 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 1.25 1.79 monooleate¹ Palmitoleic Acid² 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene glycol- 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 monooleate² Oleic acid³ 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.79 1.25 0.71 Oleyl Alcohol² 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2-Heptenoic acid² 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2-Hexadecenoic 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 acid² Methyl Oleate² 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isodecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Histidine⁴ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Niacinamide⁵ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Caffeine⁶ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Panthenol⁷ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol⁸ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearate⁹ Combing Force(gf)1 104 124 140 161 201 255 273 316 93 132 330 Combing Force(gf)2 Ex 12 Ex 13 Ex 14 Ex 15 Ex 16 Ex 17 Ex 18 Ex 19 Ex 20 Ex 21 Ex 22 Water 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 47.21 47.21 Ethanol 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 48.75 Glycerol alpha- 0.71 1.79 0.71 1.79 0.71 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 1.25 monooleate Palmitoleic Acid 1.79 0.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene glycol- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 monooleate Oleic acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.79 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 1.79 1.25 Oleyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 1.79 0.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 2-Heptenoic acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2-Hexadecenoic acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Methyl Oleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isodecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Histidine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.89 0.89 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Combing Force(gf)1 Combing Force(gf)2 53 176 42 142 66 268 76 128 246 Ex 23 Ex 24 Ex 25 Ex 26 Ex 27 Ex 28 Ex 29 Ex 30 Ex 31 Ex 32 Ex 33 Water 44.64 44.64 68.46 96.67 97.21 94.10 94.64 96.67 97.21 96.67 94.64 Ethanol 48.75 48.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha- 0.71 1.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 monooleate Palmitoleic Acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene glycol- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 monooleate Oleic acid 1.79 1.25 0.00 1.79 1.25 1.79 1.25 1.79 1.25 1.79 1.25 Oleyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2-Heptenoic acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2-Hexadecenoic acid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Methyl Oleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 25.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isodecane 0.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Histidine 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.01 Niacinamide 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.50 Caffeine 1.00 1.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 1.00 1.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 1.00 Panthenol 0.60 0.60 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.60 0.60 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.60 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 1.25 0.71 1.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 1.25 0.71 1.25 Combing Force(gf)1 Combing Force(gf)2 ¹Monomuls 90-O-18 supplied by BASF ²Supplied by Sigma Aldrich ³Greenolene 6928 supplied by Green Oleo ⁴Supplied by Ajinomoto ⁵Supplied by USP: Edison ⁶Supplied by DSM Nutritional Products ⁷Supplied by Roche ⁸Supplied by Incos Maastricht BV (Maastricht, NL) ⁹Isostearyl isostearate Crodamol ISIS supplied by Croda

TABLE 8 Additional Leave-on Treatment Examples Ingredient Ex1 Ex2 Ex3 Ex4 Ex5 Ex6 Ex7 Ex8 Ex9 Ex10 Water 82.30 95.16 96.16 96.16 95.66 95.16 96.16 96.16 95.66 96.16 Glyceryl Stearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetyl Alcohol¹ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Stearyl Alcohol¹ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetearyl Alcohol 2.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium-18² 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Guar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine³ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Amodimethicone⁴ 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Stearamidoprobyl dimethylamine⁵ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fragrance 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 Cetrimonium Chloride 9.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80⁶ 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate⁷ 0.00 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 0.00 Oleic acid⁸ 0.00 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 Histidine⁹ 0.00 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide¹⁰ 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine¹¹ 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol¹² 0.00 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Benzyl Alcohol¹³ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 Isostearyl Isostearate¹⁴ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ex11 Ex12 Ex13 Ex14 Ex15 Ex16 Ex17 Ex18 Ex19 Ex20 Water 97.01 96.66 96.41 96.16 97.01 96.66 96.41 96.16 97.01 96.66 Glyceryl Stearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Stearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium-18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Guar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Amodimethicone 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Stearamidoprobyl dimethylamine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fragrance 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Oleic acid 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Benzyl Alcohol 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.85 0.50 Ex21 Ex22 Ex23 Ex24 Ex25 Ex26 Ex27 Ex28 Ex29 Ex30 Water 96.41 96.16 97.01 96.66 96.41 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 Glyceryl Stearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Cetyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Stearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Quaternium-18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Guar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Amodimethicone 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Stearamidoprobyl dimethylamine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 Fragrance 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 Oleic acid 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ex31 Ex32 Ex33 Ex34 Ex35 Ex36 Ex37 Ex38 Ex39 Ex40 Water 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 96.85 Glyceryl Stearate 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Cetyl Alcohol 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Stearyl Alcohol 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Quaternium-18 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Guar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Amodimethicone 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Stearamidoprobyl dimethylamine 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 Fragrance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Oleic acid 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 ¹Supplied by P&G Chemicals ²DTDMAC ditallodimethylammonium chloride ³EDTA Trilon BD Powder supplied by BASF (Ludwigshafen, DE) ⁴TAS Y-14945 supplied by Momentive Performance Materials ⁵lexamine s-13 suppliedby Inolex Chemicals ⁶Abliquate supplied by Goldschmidt ⁷Monomuls 90-O-18 supplied by BASF ⁸Greenolene 6928 supplied by Green Oleo ⁹Supplied by Ajinomoto ¹⁰Supplied by USP: Edison ¹¹Supplied by DSM Nutritional Products ¹²Supplied by Roche ¹³Supplied by Incos Maastricht BV (Maastricht, NL) ¹⁴ISIS supplied by Croda

Rinse Off Conditioners

The rinse-off conditioner compositions can be prepared by any conventional method well known in the art. The cationic surfactants and the fatty alcohols are mixed together and heated to from about 66° C. to about 85° C. to form an oil phase. Separately the water is heated to from about 20° C. to about 48° C. The oil phase is mixed into the water under high shear to form the gel matrix. The remaining of the components are added into the gel matrix with agitation. Then, the composition is cooled down to room temperature.

Rinse-Off Conditioner Hair Treatment Protocol

An amount of 0.1 ml of rinse-off conditioner composition per gram of hair is added onto the hair switch via syringe and massaged for 60 seconds. The switch is allowed to rest for 2 minutes and then rinsed with water of temperature of 100° F. for 1 minute. The hair switch is allowed to air dry for 24 hours under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (27° C. and 50% RH). The same treatment is repeated to two additional switches. The combing force is measured for each switch and an average for the three switches is calculated.

Combing Force Results for Hair Treated with Rinse Off Conditioner

When the rinse-off conditioner contains both oleic acid and glyceryl monooleate a synergistic combing benefit is achieved (Ex 5 versus Ex 3 and Ex 4).

TABLE 9 Ingredient Ex 1 Ex 2 Ex 3 Ex 4 Ex 5 Ex 6 Ex 7 Ex 8 Ex 9 Ex 10 Water 94.00 92.52 90.02 90.02 91.37 90.83 90.83 90.33 89.83 90.83 Glyceryl Stearate 0.25 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 Cetyl Alcohol¹ 1.29 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 Stearyl Alcohol¹ 0.86 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.54 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Quaternium-18² 0.80 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 Guar 1.09 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 Ethylene Diamine³ 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Amodimethicone⁴ 0.00 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Stearamidoprobyl 1.07 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 dimethylamine⁵ Behenamidopropyl 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 dimethylamine Fragrance 0.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80⁶ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethanol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isododecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate⁷ 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 Oleic acid⁸ 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 Histidine⁹ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide¹⁰ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine¹¹ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol¹² 0.00 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.00 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol¹³ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate¹⁴ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Combing Force(gf) 37 45 45 16 Ex 11 Ex 12 Ex 13 Ex 14 Ex 15 Ex 16 Ex 17 Ex 18 Ex 19 Ex 20 Water 90.83 90.33 89.08 85.75 85.75 84.75 83.25 81.75 81.75 80.75 Glyceryl Stearate 0.23 0.23 0.00 0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Cetyl Alcohol 1.20 1.20 2.68 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 Stearyl Alcohol 0.80 0.80 4.84 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.50 0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium-18 0.74 0.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Guar 1.01 1.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Amodimethicone 0.25 0.25 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Stearamidoprobyl 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 dimethylamine Behenamidopropyl 0.00 0.00 2.50 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 dimethylamine Fragrance 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethanol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isododecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.50 0.75 0.00 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 Oleic acid 0.50 0.75 0.00 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.00 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.00 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Combing Force(gf) Ex 21 Ex 22 Ex 23 Ex 24 Ex 25 Ex 26 Ex 27 Ex 28 Ex 29 Ex 30 Water 79.25 91.68 91.33 91.08 90.83 91.68 91.33 91.08 86.60 85.25 Glyceryl Stearate 7.00 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 1.00 2.00 Cetyl Alcohol 2.49 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 2.49 2.49 Stearyl Alcohol 4.50 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 4.50 4.50 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.00 0.00 Quaternium-18 0.00 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.00 0.00 Guar 0.00 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Amodimethicone 0.50 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.50 0.50 Stearamidoprobyl 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 dimethylamine Behenamidopropyl 2.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.33 2.33 dimethylamine Fragrance 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethanol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isododecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Oleic acid 0.75 0.15 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 0.15 0.50 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.85 0.50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Combing Force(gf) Ex 31 Ex 32 Ex 33 Ex 34 Ex 35 Water 84.00 82.75 82.60 81.25 80.00 Glyceryl Stearate 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 Cetyl Alcohol 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 Stearyl Alcohol 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium-18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Guar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethylene Diamine 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 Amodimethicone 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Stearamidoprobyl 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 dimethylamine Behenamidopropyl 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 dimethylamine Fragrance 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 Cetrimonium Chloride 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Quaternium 80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ethanol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isododecane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 DiisopropylAdipate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Glycerol alpha-monooleate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Oleic acid 0.75 1.00 0.15 0.50 0.75 Histidine 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Niacinamide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Caffeine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 Panthenol 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 Glycerine 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Benzyl Alcohol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Isostearyl Isostearate 0.75 1.00 0.85 0.50 0.75 Total 100 100 100 100 100 Combing Force(gf) ¹Supplied by P&G Chemicals ²DTDMAC ditallodimethylammonium chloride ³EDTA Trilon BD Powder supplied by BASF (Ludwigshafen, DE) ⁴TAS Y-14945 supplied by Momentive Performance Materials ⁵Lexamine s-13 suppliedby Index Chemicals ⁶Abliquate supplied by Goldschmidt ⁷Monomuls 90-O-18 supplied by BASF ⁸Greenolene 6928 supplied by Green Oleo ⁹Supplied by Ajinomoto ¹⁰Supplied by USP: Edison ¹¹Supplied by DSM Nutritional Products ¹²Supplied by Roche ¹³Supplied by Incos Maastricht BV (Maastricht, NL) ¹⁴ISIS supplied by Croda

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of hair treatment may be provided using a composition comprising a lipid and a lipid enhancing agent wherein the treated hair exhibits reduced combing force (gf) compared to untreated hair. The methods of hair treatment may be in the form of a rinse off treatment or a leave on treatment.

It is further noted that terms like “alternatively,” “usually”, “generally,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention. For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is additionally noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm. ”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for replenishing internal hair lipids in hair fibers by using a hair conditioning composition comprising: a) from about 0.1% to about 20% of oleic acid; b) from about 0.1% to about 20% of glyceryl monooleate; wherein a combination ratio of Component (a) to (b) is from 1:1 to 2.5:1.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the pH of the hair conditioning compositions is from about 3 to about
 9. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the pH of the hair conditioning compositions is from about 4 to about
 6. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a silicone.
 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises materials selected from the group consisting of conditioning materials, organic conditioning materials, solvents, rheology modifier, suspending agent, thickeners, hair health actives, anti-dandruff actives, anti-oxidants, pigments, abrasives, absorbents, biological actives, buffering agents, chelating agents, opacifying agents, pH adjusters, vitamins, chelants, perfumes, brighteners, enzymes, sensates, attractants, anti-bacterial agents, dyes, bleaches and mixtures thereof.
 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a cationic surfactant system.
 7. A method according to claim 1 further comprising materials selected from the group consisting of niacinamide, caffeine, histidine and mixtures thereof.
 8. A method according to claim 1 further comprising panthenol.
 9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising palmitoleic acid.
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein the hair conditioning composition provides a reduction in combining force (gf) as compared to untreated hair. 